Using the Net to Break the Ice
By Melissa Coffey
Diaper Decisions
If you run an online store, chances are you enjoy the quick and easy way of interaction with your customers. It's almost easier to just receive the order, package it up and send it away. The thought of perusing local business can be a bit nerve wracking because these potential customers aren't just concentrating on your products, or your information, they are focusing on you. This can be very intimidating when starting out. You'd almost rather sell hundreds of miles away then have to deal with customers face to face. If you are the shy type selling locally might not be something you think you can do.
If you feel more comfortable "meeting" someone in conversation only at first, but also would love to reach out to your community, we have an idea for you!
Start a local moms Yahoo group! You can post this around town without putting yourself "out there." You can chat, have conversations and get to know each other in a less threatening format (for you) and the Moms won't feel like they are getting a sales pitch and be put on the spot. You can develop friendships that allow you to share cloth diapering in an easy way, without having to sell anything. It's a way to develop contacts that you might ordinarily be hesitant to pursue!
To get this started, print some flyers from your home computer! "Are you a stay at home mom, grandmother, or caregiver of little ones? Need somewhere to vent, share your funny stories or just find someone who understands life with kids? Join our MomsinOurTown Yahoo Group at (web address)."
When setting up your group, type a file introducing yourself as the group owner. Use this welcome letter to tell a little about your family and your online business. Send this file out monthly, or several times a year as a reminder. Use the links section of your group homepage to list your business website and other cloth diapering resource sites that give helpful information.
When moderating a group, think of different topics for the week, or the day to get the conversation rolling. With a larger number of people, this is usually not necessary, but be sure to post several times a week, so people get to know you!
Remember to use caution when setting up live meetings with people you meet online, and take advantage of moderated memberships, as anything to do with children (especially diaper conversation) can lull in some real weirdos!
If you need any ideas, or help with setting up your local Yahoo Group please give us a holler. You can reach Susie susie@diaperdecisions.com or Melissa melissa@diaperdecisions.com and we'll be happy to help!
Diaper Decisions
If you run an online store, chances are you enjoy the quick and easy way of interaction with your customers. It's almost easier to just receive the order, package it up and send it away. The thought of perusing local business can be a bit nerve wracking because these potential customers aren't just concentrating on your products, or your information, they are focusing on you. This can be very intimidating when starting out. You'd almost rather sell hundreds of miles away then have to deal with customers face to face. If you are the shy type selling locally might not be something you think you can do.
If you feel more comfortable "meeting" someone in conversation only at first, but also would love to reach out to your community, we have an idea for you!
Start a local moms Yahoo group! You can post this around town without putting yourself "out there." You can chat, have conversations and get to know each other in a less threatening format (for you) and the Moms won't feel like they are getting a sales pitch and be put on the spot. You can develop friendships that allow you to share cloth diapering in an easy way, without having to sell anything. It's a way to develop contacts that you might ordinarily be hesitant to pursue!
To get this started, print some flyers from your home computer! "Are you a stay at home mom, grandmother, or caregiver of little ones? Need somewhere to vent, share your funny stories or just find someone who understands life with kids? Join our MomsinOurTown Yahoo Group at (web address)."
When setting up your group, type a file introducing yourself as the group owner. Use this welcome letter to tell a little about your family and your online business. Send this file out monthly, or several times a year as a reminder. Use the links section of your group homepage to list your business website and other cloth diapering resource sites that give helpful information.
When moderating a group, think of different topics for the week, or the day to get the conversation rolling. With a larger number of people, this is usually not necessary, but be sure to post several times a week, so people get to know you!
Remember to use caution when setting up live meetings with people you meet online, and take advantage of moderated memberships, as anything to do with children (especially diaper conversation) can lull in some real weirdos!
If you need any ideas, or help with setting up your local Yahoo Group please give us a holler. You can reach Susie susie@diaperdecisions.com or Melissa melissa@diaperdecisions.com and we'll be happy to help!
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